What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Before the biopsy, your doctor may order urine tests, blood tests, and
x-rays
of your kidneys.

You should ask your doctor when you can expect to know the biopsy results.

Arrange for a ride home after your biopsy.

Your doctor may ask you to fast or eat lightly before your biopsy.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure like:

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen

Blood thinners

Anti-platelet medications

Anesthesia

You will receive a local anesthetic to numb your skin. You may also receive a light sedative.

Description of Procedure

This procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting with no need for an overnight stay. Your skin on your back or abdomen may be cleaned. A local anesthetic will be injected into the area where the biopsy will be taken. Next, your kidney will be located using either
ultrasound
or x-ray. Then, long needles will be inserted to collect tissue samples. A special instrument may be used to insert the needles. During the collection, you may be asked to hold your breath. After the samples are collected, a bandage will be placed on your skin.

How Long Will It Take?

About an hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

The local anesthetic will block the pain during the biopsy. Afterwards, you may feel sore where the biopsy was taken. Ask your doctor which pain reliever is right for you.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be monitored for a few hours after your biopsy. You will be asked to remain lying down to reduce the chance of bleeding. Your pulse and blood pressure will be monitored. Your biopsy samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing. You will be sent home when you are feeling well and the doctor feels that it is safe.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Rest to prevent bleeding. You should usually rest for the first 24-48 hours after the biopsy. Do not lift or exercise until your doctor says it is okay.

Keep your biopsy site clean and dry.

Check your urine. You may notice some blood in your urine. This is normal for the first 24 hours. If there is bleeding that lasts longer than 24 hours or there is a lot of bleeding, call your doctor.

Be sure to follow your
doctor’s instructions
.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Bloody urine 24 hours after biopsy or a lot of blood in the urine

Difficulty urinating

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Lightheadedness

Pain that is worse at biopsy site

Pain that you cannot control with the medications that you have been given

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.